Phenomenological Study of Sexual Harassment and Violence Among Girls Attending High Schools in Urban Slums, Nairobi, Kenya

• NCJ Number: 242373
• Journal: Journal of School Violence Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: October - December 2012 Pages: 323-344
• Author(s): Benta A. Abuya; Elijah O. Onsomu; Dakysha Moore; Jackline Sagwe
• Date Published: October 2012
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The objective of this study was to examine the experiences of girls attending Kamu and Lafama schools with regard to sexual harassment and violence (SHV) in and out of school.

Abstract

In 2003, 31 percent of young Kenyan women ages15-24 reported sexual harassment and violence (SHV), with a majority experiencing sexual debut due to coercion (Central Bureau of Statistics, 2004). Data were obtained from a sample of 20 girls attending school in Kamu and Lafamu (pseudonyms used for the study sites), 10 girls who had dropped out of school, and 14 teachers, using structured interviews. A phenomenological approach was used to describe narratives of girls' experiences with SHV in and out of school. The findings indicated that girls experienced frequent SHV in and out of school despite the Sexual Offences Act enacted by the Kenyan Parliament in 2006 (Government of Kenya, 2006). Hence, stakeholders need to reengage and implement existing policies on sexual abuse among children and women. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.